Panoz DP01
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| Category | Champ Car World Series | ||||||||
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| Constructor | Panoz/Elan Technologies | ||||||||
| Designer(s) | Simon Marshall & Nick Alcock | ||||||||
| Technical Specifications | |||||||||
| Chassis | Carbon Fiber monocoque | ||||||||
| Engine | Cosworth XFE 2650cc V8 Turbocharged Mid-engined, longitudinally mounted | ||||||||
| Transmission | 7 Semi-Automatic with paddle shift | ||||||||
| Fuel | methanol | ||||||||
| Tyres | Bridgestone | ||||||||
| Competition History | |||||||||
| Notable entrants | all 2007 Champ Car teams | ||||||||
| Notable drivers | all 2007 Champ Car drivers | ||||||||
| Debut | 2007 Vegas Grand Prix, Las Vegas, Nevada |
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| n.b. Unless otherwise stated, all data refer to Formula One World Championship Grands Prix only. |
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The Panoz DP01 is the recently introduced Champ Car World Series spec race car that was used in the 2007 season. It was introduced to the world at the San Jose Grand Prix on July 28, 2006.
The Panoz DP01 was developed to be safer, and less aero-dependent while racing closely with other cars. The new model had numerous changes from the previous Lola car, including more downforce from the underbody. Approximately 60% of the car's 5,500 lb (2,500 kg) of downforce at 200 mph (320 km/h) will come from the bottom of the car. This is done by directing the air in a way to create downforce on the car, by sucking it to the racetrack. This will put less dependency on the front and rear wings in the event of a failure at high speed.
Another major change from the previous car is the raised nose of the car. The nose has been moved farther above the front wing, directing more air to the underbody aerodynamics. The raised nose will also create a safer environment for the driver in the event of a head on collision with a wall or another car.[citation needed]
The driver sat more upright than in the Lola chassis, to reduce the chances of back injuries, and to accommodate the use of the HANS device.
[edit] Debut, then Early Retirement
The first Champ Car open test of the DP01 took place January 23 to January 25, 2007 at Sebring International Raceway. The second open test occurred February 12 and 13 at MSR Houston. The third and last open test before the season begins took place March 9 and 10 at Laguna Seca. The Panoz DP01's race debut was at the Vegas Grand Prix on April 8, 2007. Team Australia's Will Power won the inaugural pole and the first race with the DP01.
With the ChampCar and IRL open wheel reunification announcement in February 2008, the DP-01 will have served little more than 1 full season before being phased out of service. The final DP01 race occurred on April 20th at the ChampCar finale at Long Beach.
[edit] Sources
Information for this article was found in the October 2006 issue of Race Tech Magazine.
[edit] Links
| Panoz Auto Development |
| Road Cars: Roadster/AIV Roadster • Esperante • Abruzzi Race Cars: Esperante GTR-1 • LMP-1 Roadster-S • LMP07 • LMP01 Evo • Esperante GTS • Esperante GT-LM • DP01 |
